Summary of Copa America Kickoff: Argentina vs. Canada
The highly anticipated Copa America tournament will commence with a thrilling clash between Argentina and Canada at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Thursday. This match is poised to set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament, with Argentina entering as the pre-tournament favorites.
Jesse Marsch's Canadian team faces a formidable challenge right out of the gates. Despite their mixed results in the lead-up to Copa America, including a defeat against the Netherlands and a draw against France, this match will serve as a critical test of Canada's readiness. With Argentina aiming to dominate on U.S. soil and Brazil's dip in form bolstering Argentina's favorite status, fans are eagerly awaiting this opening encounter.
How to Watch and Odds
The match is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Fans can watch the game live on FS1, Univision, and TUDN, or stream it online via Fubo (free trial available). The odds currently favor Argentina (-333), with a draw at +400 and a Canada win at +900.
Group A Overview
Group A of the Copa America comprises Argentina, Canada, Peru, and Chile, promising fans intense and entertaining soccer. While Argentina is expected to top the group, Canada aims to showcase their prowess and compete fiercely with Peru and Chile. For Canada, this tournament is not only about immediate results but also a crucial learning experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Team News
Argentina:
Argentina will be missing several key players, including Paulo Dybala, Juan Foyth, and Lucas Ocampos. However, the team is buoyed by the presence of veterans like Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, and Nicolás Otamendi. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes are expected to start.
Possible Argentina XI: E. Martínez; Montiel, Romero, L. Martínez, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Álvarez, Messi, Di María.
Canada:
Canada is in a period of transition, moving beyond players like Milan Borjan, Lucas Cavallini, and Atiba Hutchinson. The spotlight now shifts to emerging talents. Key players for Canada include Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Alphonso Davies, and Stephen Eustáquio. Maxime Crepeau has taken over as the new No. 1 goalkeeper, and Luc de Fougerolles is set to make his senior debut.
Possible Canada XI: Crepeau; Johnstone, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar; David, Larin.
Prediction:
The match is expected to begin tightly contested, but Argentina's experience and tactical prowess may ultimately tip the scale in their favor. A narrow victory for Argentina seems likely, which would still be an encouraging result for Canada as they prepare for crucial matches against Peru and Chile later in the group stage.
Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.
Quotes
As the excitement builds, the significance of this opening match cannot be overstated. "Copa America gets underway when Argentina and Canada meet in Atlanta on Thursday," reads one quote, highlighting the significance of this match for both teams. "This will be Canada's first competitive test," underscores the challenges ahead for the Canadian squad as they navigate their transition period.
Another quote adds context to the broader tournament dynamics: "Brazil's post-World Cup dip in form suggests that Argentina are heavy favorites to win on U.S. soil." Meanwhile, the clash within Group A promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats: "This group makes for an interesting blend with potential for intense and entertaining soccer."
Looking ahead, the tournament serves as a vital stepping stone for Canada's ambitions: "This will all be about learning collectively with a view to the 2026 World Cup." With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., the Copa America represents a significant opportunity for growth and development for the Canadian team. Even in the face of a likely Argentina victory, there's optimism: "This result will be encouraging for Canada."
Pick: Argentina 1, Canada 0.